City Desk:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged universities across the country to advance research on generative artificial intelligence (AI) to harness its potential, address challenges, and develop skilled manpower in this emerging field.
Professor Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, a UGC member, made the call during his speech as the chief guest at a two-day training workshop titled ‘Generative AI for Productivity and Innovation’, held at UGC on Wednesday. The workshop is jointly organised by UGC’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division and Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN), says a press release.
The event was chaired by ICT Director Md. Omar Faruque. UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam spoke as a special guest, while Mohammad Najmul Islam, Additional Director of UGC’s IMCT division, delivered the welcome address.
Professor Saidur Rahman noted that Bangladesh is lagging in the use of data driven generative AI and encouraged university researchers to lead the development of country-appropriate data-driven generative AI systems, considering factors like language, religion, and culture. He cautioned about the negative impacts of generative AI, saying that while it will simplify daily tasks, there are concerns over job reductions. He advised the responsible use of generative AI and urged maintaining creativity through its application.
UGC Secretary Fakhrul Islam emphasised that there is no alternative to generative AI if human thinking, skills, and creativity are to be elevated to higher levels.
